Silence, ghosts, and dragons: Language, culture, and identity in 'The Woman Warrior'.

摘要

This thesis examines the relationship between culture, language and the individual in Kingston's The Woman Warrior. By considering certain words, expressions, and aspects of spoken and written Chinese used in the work, we see the influence of culture on language and the effect of language on individual identity.;The narrator, Maxine, describes various memories which show her bewilderment regarding conflicting cultures and difficulty with communication. A careful analysis of some of the terms she uses demonstrates how the power of language can act both negatively and positively.;Although Maxine's childhood is plagued with sexist, racist, confusing and embarrassing language, which has a harmful effect on her ability to express herself, as she improves her skills in communication, Maxine is able to incorporate the Chinese culture and language she has inherited into the reality of American life, and thus create a self-identity.